The significance of immunodiagnosis in schistosomiasis control: a brief review.

Various immunodiagnostic methods have been employed for the demonstration of specific antischistosomal antibodies. Serological assays are generally less sensitive, less specific and less reproducible than parasitological tests. Positive serological results do not indicate the intensity of infection or differentiate active or chronic infection. If their limitations are recognized and taken into account are serological tests of use in human schistosomiasis control. The diagnosis schistosomiasis should be based on a combination of clinical symptoms, history of residence in endemic or non-endemic areas, parasitological examinations, and serological findings.